Digital Technologies, Families and the Impact on COVID-19
The 59th session of the Commission for Social Development (CSocD59) will take place from 8 to 17 February in 2021.
The priority theme will be “Socially just transition towards sustainable development: the role of digital technologies on social development and well-being of all.”
The Commission will highlight the role of digital technologies in promoting social development and well-being for all, giving particular attention to disadvantaged, marginalized, or vulnerable groups and communities. It will conclude with recommendations on how countries can make further progress on these issues.
The Commission will host a High- level panel discussion on the priority theme, a Ministerial Forum, a Panel discussion on Emerging Issues, an Interactive dialogue with senior officials of the UN System, a Multi-stakeholder Forum, and a Civil Society Forum.
Side Events on Families
The Division for Inclusive Social Development (DISD) of UNDESA will organize two side events of the 59th session of the Commission for Social Development to offer a family perspective on its theme: “Socially just transition towards sustainable development: the role of digital technologies on social development and well-being of all”
1. Digital Technologies and Families: Focus on Work-Family Balance
The side event on Digital Technologies and Families will focus on the impact of digital technologies on work-family balance and overall family-well-being. It will address the issues of fostering innovation and improving flexible working arrangements. It will also emphasize how new technologies can be harnessed to advance family well-being.
Date and Time: 10 February 2021, 11:30am-1:00pm (EST)
- Concept note
- Agenda & Bio notes of panelists
- Work Family Balance & Well being: Implications of Technology by Dr. Joseph G. Grzywacz
- Digital Technologies and Families: Focus on Work-Family Balance by Dr. Susan Walker
Watch the recorded event here.
2. The impact of COVID19 Pandemic on Families and Children: Global Evidence and Policy Implications
The goal of the side event on The Impact of COVID19 Pandemic on Families and Children is to bring together civil society organizations, academia and UN entities to discuss the results of the global study on the impact of COVID 19 pandemic on family life across cultures. The meeting will provide an opportunity to highlight the important role of the family in achieving sustainable and inclusive societies. It will also allow to facilitate exchanges and collaboration amongst various stakeholders, identify and discuss challenges and family policies amid the pandemic.
Date and Time: 11 February 2021, 10:00am-11:15am (EST)
Watch the recorded event here.
Resources
EGM on “Socially just transition towards sustainable development: The role of digital technologies on social development and well-being of all” In preparation for the CSocD59, UNDESA in collaboration with ITU and UNCTAD convened a virtual Expert Group Meeting on the priority theme from 4 to 7 August 2020.
- Implementation of the objectives of the International Year of the Family and its follow-up processes A/76/61-E/2021/4
- A/RES/75/153 as of 20 January 2020
The Commission will also host many side events to raise awareness about the priority theme. Download the draft list of side events (as of 24 January 2021)
For more information, please visit https://bit.ly/un-csocd59.